Showing papers in "Cartographic Journal in 1999"

A Prototype System for Propagating Updates between Cartographic Data Sets

Abstract: This paper describes a prototype system for the propagation of updates between cartographic data sets at different scales. The prototype system is based on object-oriented techniques and a multiple representation database. The latter consists of a master and a target data set together with connectivities between those objects referring to the same physical entities. The prototype is based on a conceptual framework of four steps: examination, propagation, generalization of updates and solution of spatial conflicts. The rules in these steps are triggered when an object is edited in the master data set. In the examination step it is determined which object should be created, deleted or modified in the target data set according to certain rules. In the propagation step the outcome of the examination step is executed. In addition, in this step the integrity of the multiple representation database is maintained, e.g. connectivities between related objects are set. In the third step the new or modified o...

Journalistic Cartography: Good or Bad? A Debatable Point

Abstract: A cursory glance through any number of newspapers and popular periodicals will usually reveal the use of some sort of a map as part of an article. This type of cartography is known as 'journalistic cartography'. Many of these maps are not the work of cartographers but instead the creation of graphic artists who possess a limited knowledge of cartography or have little cartographic training. Despite this the maps produced are often very innovative, unique, and aesthetically attractive. However, journalistic cartography has come under increasing scrutiny from professional cartographers, many of whom are openly very critical of the quality and design of the maps appearing each day in 'the press'. But, whilst it can be argued that some journalistic cartography has a similar role to that played by traditional maps and atlases, the aim and purpose of many of these maps as a communication medium is clearly very different. Furthermore, the role and success of this cartography is displayed not only by the ...

'A new map is unrolling before us': Cartography in News Media Representations of Post-Cold War Europe

Abstract: The 1990s have witnessed the publication of a plethora of maps in the British news media on the subject of the 'new Europe'. These graphic representations are part of a broad debate concerning the emerging post-Cold War European political landscape. This paper explores these maps and their role in the propagation of new European identities and geopolitical discourse. The study reveals a subtle change from triumphalist Western representations of the European political landscape, especially the eastward expansion of Western ideals and institutions as a route to regional security, during the early 1990s, to a re-trenchment into 'realist' images, more redolent of the Cold-War period, in recent years. The study is itself the product of recent developments in cartographic research which seeks to uncover and understand the social-political impact of medium.

The Classification of Ordinal Data for Choropleth Mapping

Abstract: Choropleth maps have traditionally displayed standardized interval or metric data for areal units. The data classifications for such maps are usually based on an attribute's statistical distribution without regards for its spatial distribution. This paper presents a classification scheme that focuses on an attribute's spatial arrangement without regard to its statistical distribution. Using only its ordinal property, data are classified to produce maps that retain as much of the spatial structure of the raw data as possible. Such a classification retains as much visual complexity as possible for a given number of class intervals unlike the traditional quantile classification, the only other classification based solely on ordinal relationships.

The Revival of a Victorian Art: Waterlining with a Computer

Abstract: This paper introduces two automated procedures that work in vector made throughout. The first procedure traces waterlines, the decorative device with which copper engravers differentiated water areas in maps before the introduction of screen-printing. The second procedure resorts to waterlines to perform the Medial-Axis Transformation (MAT), a centrelining operation originally proposed by Pattern Recognition workers. Both procedures are described at a rather high level. Noted as important is the passing on of pointers from the input shapes to the Medial-Axis via the waterlines. Those pointers are characterized as fundamental to the straightforward definition of the Medial-Axis from waterlines. The analogy between a well-known raster method and the vector waterlining and MAT are discussed and their relative merits compared. In this context, the thesis is advanced that that analogy is the reason for the universal applicability of the proposed vector method. Cartographic and Geographic Information Sy...

Theoretical and Practical Deliberations with regard to Semi-Automated Cartographic Generalization

Abstract: Cartographic information originating in 'map-space' has a central role in the communication of spatial information. Cartographic information used for visualizing geo-referenced data, is always created at a certain scale, where a physiognomic simplification is carried out resulting in substantial reduction and abstraction. This takes place as part of an extensive modelling process which includes cartographic generalization and visualization. This process, caused by the complexity of steps in generalization, and supported in a cartographic information system cannot be carried out automatically. INTERGRAPH's Map Generalizer® is an interactive tool for semi-automated cartographic generalization. In this experiment its functions are applied to cartographic modelling of linear and areal map objects. Different algorithms were used and the best parameters for transferring hydrology, relief, and forest geometry from a scale of 1:50 000 to 1:200 000 were determined.

Russian Cadastral Surveys Before and After Peter the Great

Abstract: This paper examines the changes in the nature and purposes of Russian land and forest cadastres in the age of Peter the Great in order to illustrate the changes in Russian society and the priorities of state policy. The scientific basis of the Petrine cadastre had been borrowed from English mapmaking, but geography and cartography developed in a different social context. This resulted in the emergence of a 'resource' paradigm in Russian geographical practice, associated with the reforms carried out by the central power. This demonstrates the decisive role of the practical demands of the state for geography and cartographic development in Russia. Science and technology did not necessarily mean more freedom from Russians. The reforms allowed the state to control people more effectively. The emergence of the new cultural basis was merely the next step by which scientific and philosophical thought started to develop, enriched by ideas of the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution.

Improved Designs for Running Maps

Abstract: Maps produced for road races and cross-country races vary hugely in nature and quality, but the average level of graphicacy is low. Maps for road races, such as marathons, are often generalized representations of the route, studied beforehand but rarely required during the race by competitors, and used by spectators as well as entrants. They are often produced by graphic designers. Maps for cross-country events are needed for way finding, but tend to be drawn by amateurs. Their content often does not reflect the needs of the competitors and they are unsatisfactory as maps. The authors contend that professional map-makers are in a position to influence the design of race maps by asking users what their requirements are and producing basic rules which amateurs mappers can follow. A survey was conducted to determine the map requirements of cross-country racers and sample maps produced as a result. The sample maps have been well received by runners.

The Spanish contribution to the history of cartography

Abstract: Examples of Spanish map-making are both known and admired throughout the world. The various map types penned during the Middle Ages occupy a prominent position in the history of cartography. Interest in Spanish cartography has grown, albeit slowly. A range of historical circumstances e.g. wars have conspired to ensure that the cartographic records available today are however relatively meagre. Despite this, increased efforts have recently been discerned for the promotion of cartographic patrimony, as well as for a greater sensitivity towards its study to identify its importance and diffusion. This paper seek to outline the main traits in the history Spanish cartography by revealing the culture that inspired it, the maps, map makers and circumstances in which they worked.

Recent Maps and Atlases – Map Cabinet

Abstract: (1999). Recent Maps and Atlases — Map Cabinet. The Cartographic Journal: Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 163-164.

Deconstruction of Fractals and its Implications for Cartographic Education

Abstract: The research reported here was designed for two reasons: firstly, to involve anyone with an interest in cartographic visualization to participate in eliciting cartographic knowledge and to provide them with the opportunity to contribute their practical knowledge and opinions; and secondly, to inform the design of algorithms for line generalization. In the past, there has been some resistance to such mining and codification of expert knowledge. However, many cartographers now welcome highly interactive computer graphics, computer mapping, and virtual reality systems as providing them with new opportunities for launching cartography into a new creative age. Despite nearly thirty years of research on line generalization algorithms, the available algorithms are somewhat simplistic. This research, undertaken under the auspices of the BCS Design Group, explored the behavioural tendencies of cartographers engaged in line filtering. The results show that a carefully contrived, even if obviously artificial, exercise on the deconstruction of lines into meaningless forms can prompt cartographers to observe, record, and discuss their own cognitive processing.